Review of High Fidelity (2000) by Kiriakos P — 21 Jul 2012

Another film where John Cusack was not only the obvious but also the perfect choice.

High Fidelity is one of the few contemporary anglo-american novels that got the film treatment which I've actually read and I must say it works better as a film than as a book. Maybe that's because of the likable cast, the kick-ass soundtrack or the solid script or just because the idea of a guy telling a story involving a lot of backflashes and lists is a natural playground for movies.

As I said, John Cusack is spot-on in his portrayal of record store owner Rob who recounts his past relationships and doing so breaks the fourth wall extensively.

He's surrounded by his employees Barry (played by Jack Black) who is very likable yet laughable and very very loud (well, it's Jack Black). His counterpart is Dick (played by Todd Louiso) who's calm and introverted but in his nerdiness and shyness even more effective than Barry.

Furthermore, there are Lisa Bonet (who shines as musician slash love interest Marie DeSalle) and Iben Hjejle as the former girlfriend of Rob who just broke up with him (although I only started liking her towards the end).

High Fidelity strongly relies on the characters I just listed and to be honest beside their easy chemistry and some decent lines the film has not that much to offer (well... there's a kick-ass soundtrack as I already wrote) but you'll probably have a pleasant time watching it and maybe be surprised by the neat and felicitous ending. It's a bit weird but not really deterrent in its silliness, all in all, a flick to watch on a rainy evening (maybe with your girlfriend), to enjoy and forget about.